Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer.

Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to provide reliability information on the new Audi A4 quickly--but only if enough owners sign up and participate. (We've had excellent participation by B6 and B7 owners, with over 500 signed up.)

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, panel members receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research

 

A few have already signed up, but we'll need more soon for a quick result.

Want a result as early as February? This is how to make it happen.

Vehicle reliability research

 

More B8 owners have joined, but it's still going to be tight whether or not we have a result in February. Help make it happen:

Vehicle reliability research

 

This month's survey is the last before the February results. It's going to be tight re: sample size, so a few additional participants could make all the difference between having a result for the 2009, and not having one.

Car reliability research

 

The B8 isn't going to make it into February's results, but is almost certain to make it into May's (not a long wait--the advantage of quarterly updates).

Help make this happen:

Audi reliability research

 

A result in May is looking likely. But it's going to be close, so a few more partipants would be very helpful.

We did recently update results for the B6 and B7.

 

Wow! I'd like to get paid in logging in my issues.....interested?

All things considered, you're looking for owners who are going to give detailed information regarding usage.....

 

Membership is free to everyone who participates. From where I sit, that's a pretty good deal. Provide data, get analyzed info in return--not just on the A4, but on every car for which we have results.

We'll have a result for the B8 in May, with a preview for participants about a month from now. More always helpful.

Car reliability research

 

20 responses so far for the 2009 A4 and A5. If we get five more, we'll have a full result. So, if you've signed up but haven't responded yet, please do.

And if you haven't signed up yet, more participants always helpful.

Car reliability research

 

We'll have a result for the 2009 A4 next week, and updates every three months going forward. We had just a few over the minimum this time around. The more participants we have, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Vehicle reliability research